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https://micivilwar.com/authors/clark-gardner-b/
Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Grand Rapids Dec 22/61
My own Dear One,
Good Morning
Gardner, how do you do this morning.
It is as cold as Greenland, and for
a wonder it is sunning. The last day
of school, Dr. Big Swell was there. he
asked the boys if they ever expected to
be Presidents and said if they did they
must learn, and if the girls expected
to be Presidents wives, they must learn
too. We were all very much obliged for
his advice, but if he had talked much
longer, I am not sure but we would
all gone to sleep. I almost thought
he was going to, but he did not quite.
I went down to Fannies yesterday
afternoon, her cousin, Leon Holmes,
that was there last winter, has enlisted
as drummer, and went to Kalamazo
this morning. Mr Daniels has told
Spencer that he may enlist now if
he wants to sometimes he says he will
and at other times, he says he is
afraid his Grand mother will feel
bad if he does, but Mrs. Daniels
thinks he will go. they will not let
Jerome go. When its Cavalry was here
there was a young man with them
that Aunt Emily was acquainted
with and he used to be here almost
every Sunday: his name was George
Ranney. One day, just before they went
away, Kate asked me how I liked
George Ranney. I told her I did
not like him very much. and she
went and told Nett that I said
I did not like George Ranney, but
that she guessed, that if he would
squeeze her hand, and hug, and kiss
her as Gardner used to, she would
like him well enough. Kate does not
think that I know it, but I am very
much obliged to her for her good
opinion of me, and hope she has as
good a one of herself. It has not snow-
ed as hard before this winter as it has
today. if you was here we might go and
slide down hill. To day has been a long
one to me but every Sunday that passes
brings the time so much nearer when
I shall see you again. I must close for
this time. with my love and a kiss
Believe me ever yours
Mary J. Baxter
[On Envelope:]
Mr. Gardner B. Clark
Co. C. First Reg.
Berdan’s Sharp Shooters
Washington D.C.
